Association Helping People

1. WHO WE ARE

Association Helping People (AHP) is a community-based, non-profit and non-governmental organisation based in Bwiza, Bujumbura, Burundi.

Founded on 1 January 2024 and officially registered on 30 May 2024 under Ministerial Ordinance No. 530/747, AHP is committed to improving the living conditions of vulnerable communities, promoting social inclusion and empowering young people to become active agents of positive change.

Our organisation works primarily with widowed women, orphans, vulnerable children, disadvantaged families and young people aged 15–30.

Since January 2024, we have supported more than 2,140 vulnerable children, women and families across Bujumbura, Muramvya and Gatumba through food assistance, educational support, clothing, hygiene products, sanitary pads, school materials and community solidarity initiatives.

Our work is based on two complementary pillars: supporting vulnerable people and empowering young people through leadership, entrepreneurship and active citizenship.

2. OUR MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

Our mission is to promote human dignity, equal opportunities, social inclusion and sustainable community development by supporting vulnerable people and empowering young generations.

Our main objectives are:

- To promote access to education and improve opportunities for orphans and vulnerable children.
- To empower widowed women and vulnerable families through social inclusion and economic opportunities.
- To develop entrepreneurship, practical skills and employability among young people and women.
- To promote health awareness, hygiene, equality and community well-being.
- To encourage youth leadership, volunteering and active citizenship.
- To support environmental protection, green entrepreneurship and sustainable community development.
- To strengthen cooperation between local communities and international organisations.

3. OUR TWO MAIN PILLARS

PILLAR 1: SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

We work to improve the living conditions of vulnerable children, widowed women and disadvantaged families through:

- Educational assistance and school materials for orphans and vulnerable children.
- Food distribution and basic-needs assistance.
- Clothing, hygiene products and sanitary support.
- Psychosocial support and community solidarity initiatives.
- Support for widowed women and vulnerable families.
- Community outreach and humanitarian assistance.

PILLAR 2: YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

We believe young people are important contributors to sustainable development. We aim to equip them with knowledge, practical skills and opportunities through:

- Leadership development and public speaking.
- Teamwork, communication and project management.
- Active citizenship and democratic participation.
- Social entrepreneurship and green business development.
- Recycling, waste management and environmental awareness.
- Urban gardening and sustainable agriculture.
- Volunteering and community engagement.
- Youth employability and practical skills development.

4. OUR TARGET GROUPS

Our main beneficiaries and participants include:

- Widowed women and vulnerable families.
- Orphans and vulnerable children.
- Young people aged 15–30.
- Young people facing social and economic exclusion.
- Young volunteers and emerging community leaders.
- Community members interested in entrepreneurship and environmental protection.

We particularly focus on creating opportunities for disadvantaged young people and vulnerable women to participate actively in their communities.

5. OUR ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Since its establishment, AHP has implemented several community-based initiatives.

ACTIVITIES IN 2024

- 1 January 2024: Distribution of food products and soap to 150 vulnerable children at Islamic Home of Charity in Kiyange, Bujumbura.
- 17 March 2024: Food and soap donations to 200 vulnerable children at Mariam Orphanage in Kinama.
- 30 March 2024: Food and soap distribution to 60 vulnerable families from Kinama, Buterere, Bwiza, Buyenzi, Mutakura and Cibitoke.
- 21 July 2024: Assistance to 125 families affected by flooding and homelessness in Gatumba through food and soap distribution.
- 8 September 2024: Community outreach in Gatabo, Muramvya Province, supporting 300 vulnerable children and 100 vulnerable women with school supplies, shoes and sanitary towels.
- 22 December 2024: Assistance to 60 children with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities through food products, soap and diapers.

ACTIVITIES IN 2025

- 22 March 2025: Community outreach in Kiganda, Muramvya, supporting 75 families and 60 children through food, shoes, soap and clothing.
- 17 August 2025: International NGO Day celebration and assistance to 350 vulnerable children at Islamic Home of Charity in Kiyange and Mariam Orphanage in Kinama.
- 13 September 2025: Support to 600 vulnerable children at ECOFO Rweza in Kanyosha, Bujumbura, through hygiene products, clothing, sanitary pads, educational materials and financial assistance.

Through these initiatives, AHP has reported reaching more than 2,140 vulnerable children, women and families since January 2024.

6. OUR ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY

AHP operates with a core team of 5 volunteers and a network of more than 30 active young members.

Our organisation has grassroots experience in:

- Community mobilisation and outreach.
- Organisation of humanitarian and solidarity activities.
- Working with vulnerable children and women.
- Youth participation and volunteering.
- Local coordination and community engagement.
- Educational and social inclusion initiatives.

We maintain relationships with local schools, orphanages, churches, community leaders and other grassroots stakeholders.

We are committed to strengthening our organisational, administrative and project management capacities through international cooperation, training and knowledge exchange.

7. WHAT WE CAN OFFER TO INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

As a potential project partner, AHP can contribute:

- Mobilisation of approximately 20–30 motivated young people and community participants.
- Access to local communities and vulnerable target groups in Burundi.
- Organisation of workshops, training sessions and community activities.
- Local implementation and dissemination of project activities.
- Grassroots experience in social inclusion and humanitarian support.
- Youth volunteers and community networks.
- Opportunities for intercultural learning and exchange.
- Local knowledge and support for activities implemented in Burundi.

Subject to appropriate safeguarding, logistical and financial arrangements, we are also interested in hosting international volunteers and youth groups.

8. OUR INTEREST IN ERASMUS+ AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Association Helping People is registered on the Erasmus+ Organisation Registration System and holds the following Organisation ID:

OID: E10446848

We are interested in developing sustainable partnerships with European and international organisations, particularly in the following areas:

1. Capacity Building in the Field of Youth (KA2 – CBY)

We are interested in the 2027 call and future opportunities focusing on:

- Youth leadership and organisational development.
- Social inclusion and equal opportunities.
- Youth employability and digital skills.
- Social entrepreneurship and green businesses.
- Environmental sustainability and active citizenship.

2. Youth Exchanges (KA1)

We are interested in youth exchange projects promoting:

- Leadership and personal development.
- Intercultural dialogue.
- Social inclusion.
- Environmental protection.
- Volunteering and active citizenship.

3. Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges

We are interested in connecting Burundian young people with their European counterparts through:

- Online intercultural dialogue.
- Digital learning and collaboration.
- Youth leadership discussions.
- Knowledge and experience sharing.
- International virtual teamwork.

9. WHAT KIND OF PARTNERS ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are seeking reliable and committed organisations from Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Türkiye and other eligible countries.

We are particularly interested in:

- Non-governmental organisations and youth associations.
- Organisations experienced in Erasmus+ project development and implementation.
- Youth centres and educational institutions.
- Organisations working on social inclusion and education.
- Organisations specialising in youth leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Organisations promoting environmental sustainability and green innovation.

As a newly registered Erasmus+ organisation, we are particularly interested in collaborating with experienced project coordinators who can guide us through our first international cooperation projects.

We are open to joining existing partnerships as well as developing new project ideas together.

10. OUR VISION

We envision inclusive, empowered and sustainable communities where vulnerable people have access to opportunities, young people can develop their potential, and everyone can contribute to positive social change.

We believe that international cooperation, education, solidarity and youth participation are essential tools for building a better future.

We welcome organisations interested in building meaningful, sustainable and long-term partnerships with Association Helping People in Burundi.

Association Helping People (AHP) – Burundi

OID: E10446848

Email: associationhelpingpeople@gmail.com

Phone / WhatsApp: +257 68 066 619

Location: Bwiza, Bujumbura, Burundi

Humanity. Dignity. Hope.